I have a set of oval factory step rails on my JK X and don't plan on doing any extreme rock climbing. Are they good enough to protect the rockers?

 

They'll help keep the tires from kicking up stones and chipping the rockers and rear fenders, but that's about it. One good hit from a rock or tree stump and they're toast. I know quite a few guys that take them off when they go wheeling and run with no rocker protection. I sold mine and used the money to buy rubi rails. If you're patient, you can usually sell the steps for enough to pick up a set of take-off rails.

 

I finally got some sliders, so I took my steps off (flat kind) and there was a hole under the passenger side one from one of the two times I've taken it off road. They are designed to take the punishment a true rock slider is designed to take. Even though yours are metal, I'd still ditch them for proper sliders. I like the idea of selling them and using the money for some used rubi rails.